Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Female-Pattern Hair Loss: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

December 2024

X.H. Li, Chengxi Hu, Yi Cheng, Pu Li

female-pattern hair loss microneedling minoxidil monofilament thread therapy polylactic acid low-level laser therapy cow placenta extract platelet-rich plasma hair density hair diameter Rogaine LLLT PRP

TLDR Certain combination therapies, like microneedling with minoxidil, are more effective for female-pattern hair loss than other treatments.

This systematic review and network meta-analysis assessed 15 non-surgical treatments for female-pattern hair loss, focusing on changes in hair density and diameter. The study found that combinations such as microneedling with minoxidil (MN+MX), monofilament thread therapy with minoxidil (PLLA+MX), and low-dose phototherapy with minoxidil (LLLT+MX) were more effective in increasing hair density than treatments like cow placenta extract, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Additionally, PLLA+MX was superior in improving hair diameter. The study supports the clinical use of certain combination therapies for female-pattern hair loss, demonstrating their effectiveness over other treatments.

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